The 1500's and 1600's were a time period of profound chance in European Religions. The growth and spread of the Protestant sects of Christianity led to further social and political challenges for the monarchs of Europe. In England, France, the Netherlands, and the German States--these divisions were finally sorted out.

As the dust of the religious wars settled, European monarchies increased the powers in nearly all aspects. What they developed, in most instances, was a strong centralized government that ruled over modern, emerging nation-states. But as we will see, this was not the case in all European countries.

What emerged from this time period was a Europe that was primed for entrance into a modern time period. An economy that allowed for advanced thinking and learning and the growth of distinct social classes.